How to Deal with Drain Flies

Drain flies are easily one of the most annoying insect infestations that a home or business can experience. It’s true that they’re not as serious as termites or bed bugs but that doesn’t make them any easier to live with. They’re also naturally drawn to light and now, since we’re living in a digital age, most of us spend large chunks of our days staring at phones and computer screens. Which means they may as well be attracted to our faces. Getting rid of drain flies for good can be difficult, but it is far from impossible. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the ways you can eliminate the pests and make sure they stay gone.

Know Your Enemy

Drain fly is is a colloquial term. They’re also known as filter flies, sink flies, moth flies and several other handles. Their scientific name is Psychodidae and it’s important to not confuse them with other, smaller flying insects. This can be easier said than done since it’s possible for them to infest your drains as well. Drain flies are pretty easy to pick out however. Their bodies are short and hairy, and their body–along with their wings. Hence the moth fly nickname. But no matter what you call them, they’re a pest that has no place in your home. And If that doesn’t describe the type of fly you’re having an issue with–don’t worry, the methods for getting rid of them are generally the same.

Find Its Breeding Ground

It’s important to find out where the drain flies are coming from for the next step. While this should be obvious given their name, it can be more challenging than you think. Because not only do they infest drains they can also set up shop in other areas like damp soil or under a leaky sink. And even if you know they’re coming from a drain it’s important to determine which drain. There’s a good chance that if any of the drains in your home where the flies have been spotted are running slow or even clogged, that’s the drain they’ve infested. They make their homes and feed off the thick, rotting gunk that often gets stuck to the insides of drains. These flies multiply rapidly so there’s a chance they’ve spread to other spots in your home. Be thorough with your search.

Kill Their Food

This is the key step in removing drain flies. You want to find their breeding ground and completely remove any of that rotting sludge that they may be using for food. You will likely have to employ multiple types of drain cleaners, cleansers and maybe even a plumber’s snake or two. You have to clean as thoroughly as possible to ensure all of the eggs are removed. If you don’t get rid of them all there’s always a chance an infestation can start all over again.

Stay Vigilant

To get rid of drain flies you have to kill their food. To make sure they stay away you have to make sure there’s nowhere for them to set up shop again. So that means keeping drains clean and tending to any leaks or clogs as quickly as possible. It can be a lot of work but it’s a small price to pay in order to keep the airways clear.

Know When To Call In A Pro

Getting rid of drain flies can be a lot of work but depending on how severe it is–or where the drain flies are breeding, it can be even more. That’s because ideal breeding conditions can be created by everything from a leaking water pipe to a flooded basement. In these cases you can save time and money by bringing in experienced pest control experts like EcoTek. We have experience in ending severe infestations–especially in tough to reach areas. Call EcoTek and we’ll send those drain flies packing. For good.